The Chelsea midfielder has been used sparingly by manager Jose Mourinho this season and missed Spain's last three games due to the lack of match action, but will form part of a 23-man squad for the final two qualifiers on October 11 and 15.

Atletico Madrid duo Mario Suarez and Koke both retain their places along with Real Madrid playmaker Isco, although there is no place for Tottenham striker Roberto Soldado, despite his goal in Spain's last outing against Chile. Manchester City's Alvaro Negredo and Atletico's David Villa are the two recognised centre-forwards in the set-up.

Meanwhile, Alberto Moreno of Sevilla has been handed his first call-up, although Diego Costa misses out as expected as the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) wait to receive confirmation that he would be eligible to represent la Roja.

Injuries ensure that Xabi Alonso, Jordi Alba, Santi Cazorla and Fernando Torres are all absent, but Iker Casillas keeps his place after returning to action for Madrid in the Champions League win over Copenhagen.

Spain currently top Group I on goal difference ahead of France and have a game in hand on Didier Deschamps' men.